Physically distant, virtually close: Adolescents’ sexting behaviors during a strict lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: Computers in human behavior 2022-01, Vol.126, p.107033-107033, Article 107033
• Main Authors: Maes, Chelly, Vandenbosch, Laura
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent sexuality; Adolescents; Arousal; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Lockdown; Pandemics; sexting; Swimwear; Teenagers; Text messaging; Underwear; Uses and gratifications
• ISSN: 0747-5632; 1873-7692; 0747-5632
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2021.107033

This study contextualizes Belgian adolescents' (12–18 years old) sexting behaviors between romantic and non-romantic partners during a strict lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey among 543 Belgian respondents (Mage = 15.29, 68% girls) showed that 40.9% of the adolescents engaged in at least one type of sexting (i.e., type one = textual, type two = visual content with underwear/swimwear, type three = visual depiction of private parts, type four = visual depiction of sexual acts). Arousal needs were the most common reasons to sext (M = 3.33, SD = 1.89). Generalized ordered logit analyses show that higher arousal needs were linked to higher frequencies of the first three sexting types. Relational affirmation needs were related to the engagement in sexting type two, whereas partner pressure was related to sexting type three and four. Regarding the latter, a significant link was also found with stress regulation. Conditional relations emerged according to adolescents' sex, developmental status, and relationship status. The current study's findings not only help to inform practitioners in terms of behavioral advice for future pandemics or periods after social isolation, but can also offer explanations for (changes in) adolescents' sexting behaviors after the pandemic and the possible dual nature of its effects. •40.9% of adolescents sexted during a strict lockdown period.•They sexted mainly to gratify sexual arousal and intimacy needs.•Partner pressure was linked to two of the most explicit sexting types.•Girls were more likely to engage in sexting as a response to partner pressure.•Other conditional relations emerged based on relationship and developmental status.